Mine Safety Inspector & Trainer

Job Description - Mine Safety Inspector & Trainer )

Position Title:

Mine Safety Inspector & Trainer - )

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at:

Montana’s mining industry fuels local economies and strengthens communities — and the Mine Safety Inspector and Trainer stands at the front line of ensuring that work is done safely and sustainably. In this role, you’ll protect lives, promote responsible mining practices, and help strengthen safety culture in every corner of the state. From remote coal mines to gravel pits shaping Montana’s infrastructure, your expertise will directly safeguard miners, their families, and the communities they help build.

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to keeping Montana’s mining operations safe, compliant, and ready for the future.

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

• Respect
• Integrity

It’s about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team‑based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

The Mine Safety Inspector and Trainer protects miners and communities by inspecting coal mines and sand and gravel pits, enforcing safety standards, and providing MSHA compliant training statewide. This role delivers technical guidance to mine operators and workers, helping them recognize hazards, control risks, and maintain compliance with state and federal mine safety and health regulations.

• Conduct mine safety inspections by evaluating coal mines and sand and gravel pits for compliance with MSHA safety and health standards and applicable state regulations, identifying hazards, and recommending corrective actions.
• Deliver safety and health training by developing and providing new miner, annual refresher, and task‑specific training across Montana, requiring frequent in‑state travel and occasional overnight stays.
• Provide technical consultation by advising mine operators, contractors, and workers on safe work practices, hazard recognition, and risk mitigation strategies for surface and underground mining operations.
• Document and follow up on findings by preparing clear written inspection reports, tracking identified hazards, and monitoring corrective actions to ensure timely and effective resolution.

• Apply mine safety and health expertise
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  Use occupational safety and health principles and knowledge of surface and underground mine operations to design, implement, and evaluate safety programs and training in coal and sand and gravel environments.
• Interpret and apply regulations
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  Read, interpret, and explain complex MSHA and state statutes, rules, and regulations and apply them consistently during inspections, investigations, and compliance discussions.
• Deliver effective training
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  Design and deliver engaging, MSHA compliant training tailored to different audiences and work sites, using adult learning techniques and clear instructional materials.
• Analyze risk and solve problems
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  Collect, organize, and evaluate information using analytical and critical thinking methods to identify root causes, prioritize risks, and recommend practical corrective measures.
• Manage conflict and de‑escalate
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  Effectively manage and de‑escalate adversarial or hostile situations that may arise during inspections or enforcement conversations while maintaining professionalism and regulatory integrity.
• Build relationships and provide service
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  Establish and maintain productive working relationships with mine operators, workers, industry associations, and partner agencies while providing responsive, customer‑focused technical assistance.
• Communicate professionally
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  Prepare concise, accurate written reports and deliver clear verbal explanations tailored to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Work independently and manage workload
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  Organize and prioritize inspections, training sessions, travel, and reporting to meet statutory inspection frequencies, grant requirements, and internal deadlines with…